Saturday- April 6th 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the. Free event features local artists and crafters

Merrie Monarch Cultural Enrichment ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Wednesday April 3- 10am Panel-style discussion Hali‘a Aloha Hula Master, George Na‘ope, is a cornerstone of the Merrie Monarch Festival. Listen as cherished memories are shared by some of his closest students, offering an intimate glimpse into Uncle George’s personality, philosophy, teaching style and respect for his culture.

Wednesday April 3- 1pm Video and discussion Loea Hula Treasured stories are shared through rare video footage of Hula Greats of the 20th Century. This session highlights stewards of knowledge whose legacy and devotion to their culture can be seen in the depth and richness of today’s hula.

Thursday April 4- 10am Talk-story session & Hula Performance Po‘okela Setting the standard of excellence in hula and defining what it means to be frontline hula dancers are the winners of the Merrie Monarch’s first hula competition in 1971, Hau‘oli Hula Maids, led by famed musician Pauline Kekahuna with choreography by renowned Kumu Hula Vicky ‘I‘i Rodrigues. Join us for this historic gathering of the Hau‘oli Hula Maids and learn how hula literally took them around the world. Talking-story will be Aunties Mapuana Yasue, Florence Koanui, Jade Hind, and Kumu Leimomi Ho, along with Auntie Pauline Kekahuna’s ‘ohana including younger sister Leialoha Kaleikini. They will share about their hula days with cultural icons like Joseph Kaha‘ulelio, Vicky ‘I‘i Rodrigues, Leilani Sharpe Mendez, and of course Auntie Pauline. They will also share their award-winning hula styles and signature dances, including perhaps their 1971 winning competition number.

Thursday April 4- 1pm Panel-style discussion Waimāpuna Exploding onto the Merrie Monarch stage in 1978 leaving the audience breathless and claiming victory in hula kahiko and ‘auana divisions as well as the overall title were the men of Waimāpuna. Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui’s strong masculine dance style ignited new interest in hula, attracting hordes of enthusiastic fans with heightened expectations of hula as a visual art. The men of Waimāpuna, some of whom have become Kumu Hula themselves will provide an insightful glimpse of the nurturing, devotion, dedication and rigor that made Darrell Lupenui’s performances legendary. They will share the importance of the lessons learned from their Kumu and the role it played in the perpetuation and authenticity of the art, and how it affected their lives and disciplines inside and outside of hula.

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Friday April 5- 10am Presentation & Hula Performance Ola Ka Hula More than just a visual art, the importance of hula is in the language through the forms of oli (chanting) and mele (singing). Rich in metaphor and personification, ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) coupled with movement, rhythm and sound is a strong instrument for expressing and imprinting values, teachings and histories, connecting humanity with the past, present and future.

Pelehonuamea Suganuma Harman and Kekoa L. Harman teach hula at Ke Kula ‘o Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u in Kea‘au, and at Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikōlani at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Classes at both schools are taught entirely through the medium of Hawaiian language. Both see language as an important vehicle in imparting beliefs and practices to preserve traditional aspects of hula. This presentation is done in celebration of 30 years of Hawaiian language revitalization, and the continuance and preservation of language, and traditional cultural practices.

Friday April 5- 1pm Talk-story session & Hula Performance Aloha Hula Individual competition for the title of Miss Aloha Hula has long been a tradition of the Merrie Monarch festival since 1971. Each solo performance is a culmination of years of devotion and dedication to hula and is a reflection of the highest level of skill and knowledge handed down from teacher to student. Sharing her family tradition of excellence in hula is the winner of the first Miss Aloha Hula competition in 1971, Aloha Dalire. Aloha represents a lineage of hula mastery inherited from her mother, Keolalaulani. Joining Aloha are her daughters, all Miss Aloha Hula winners, and their children. Learn about the rich heritage that has been passed down from mother to daughter. Hōʻike Performances Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium Wednesday- April 3rd 5:45 pm An exhibition night of hula and music- tickets needed.

Merrie Monarch Royal Parade Saturday- April 6th 10:30 am One of the festival’s most entertaining and fun events for the entire family, the parade begins and ends at Pauahi St. and winds through downtown Hilo (Kilauea Ave. – Keawe St. – Waiānuenue Ave. – Kamehameha Ave.)